Here’s What Our Amazing Past & Present Staff Have to Say About Camp!

Over our 50+ years of serving the developmentally disabled community, we’ve had the pleasure of working with a variety of amazing counselors, volunteers, board members, local community members and more! It’s this community that makes Camp Krem so special! Many of our counselors go on to careers in special needs education and related fields. Here are some testimonials that shine a light on the positive impact that Camp Krem makes on the lives of so many. Submit your own testimonial here.

“I always knew that I had a family, but little did I know I had this whole other family waiting for me at Camp Krem. Coming from the Midwest, I was hesitant about moving to a new state with people I had never met, but Camp Krem welcomed me in with open arms, love, and acceptance. This is a safe haven where you will flourish and experience endless amounts of laughter, growth, smiles, and so much more. I believe there is a reason we come across certain people and experiences in our lives, and Camp Krem came into my life at a time where I needed change and learn to love myself and grow with those around me.
Thank you Camp Krem for teaching me more than I could have ever asked for.”
Emily Vrabel, Counselor 2017

“Camp Krem is my home away from home. Everyone that I have met here at camp all have said that they feel as though this is where they belong and will always be welcome. This place is none other than a miracle. A place where people gather for no reason other than to be present so that all of who you are can be given to those around you, which in my opinion, is difficult to find these days. What we all give is nothing compared to the gifts we receive when our camper’s arrive. The collective experience between the campers and the counselors gives each person a new set of perspectives along with the ability to be flexible enough to relate at the most humanistic level. I will forever and always thank the stars for the opportunity to witness and be a part of something so beautiful.” – Jess Turner, Staff Member

In the summer of 2016 I had the absolute pleasure of being able to work as one of the health center staff at Camp Krem. I got to work with some of the most amazing coworkers and campers I ever could have hoped for. At camp, I grew not only as a clinician but even more so as a person; I learned to be more patient, gracious, and intentional. I learned to let go and be silly with people that made me laugh every single day. I was taught more by the truly unique campers I got to serve than I could hope to learn in a traditional clinic setting, and had so much fun doing it. I am forever indebted to this place and these individuals for giving me one of the best summers of my life doing the most rewarding, fun work I’ve ever been able to do. ~ Ashley Sapieja, Healthcare Team 2016

Working at Camp Krem is an experience that I will never forget. It allows someone to be of service to those who have special needs. The experience is humbling, inspiring, worthwhile, trying, and fulfilling. When I came to do this job, I figured that it would just be an interesting summer job. To my pleasant surprise, I gained a family, a network of campers and coworkers who support me as I support them. Working at Camp Krem allowed me to set the course for my life, heal from my past, and grow into my future. This is a job that I will love for as long as I do it, simply because working at Camp Krem isn’t a job. Its taking care of your family and those who have made it a home to everyone who walks up the hill. ~ Sommer Jones, Counselor 2016

Camp Krem changed my life in the most wonderful of ways. It’s a place where, no matter who you are, where you come from, you will learn to call it home. From the moment I arrived at Camp, I felt extraordinarily welcome, and that sentiment only grew as I spent the summer there. I’ve never laughed more, sang louder or, felt so much love as I did here. The entire way I viewed the world has changed, and I owe it all to this amazing place. Camp Krem is a place of true beauty and exceptional people, and I am so thankful I was able to be a part of this amazing experience.

~ Anya Bonner, Counselor 2016

Camp Krem has been such a blessing to my life. Getting the chance to build different relationships and bonds with the counselors was amazing. Knowing that it was ok to go through different emotions, because at some point throughout the summer, we’ve all been there. Working with so many amazing campers. To see a camper get into their element and just live life as they knew it was great. It made me wanna do the same. The whole time I thought I would be making a difference in their life, but they were really the ones making a difference in mine. I’m so grateful for this experience and it’s something I will carry with me forever.

~ Brittany Davis, Counselor 2016

Camp Krem has changed my life. The counselors and campers become so close because we live life together. We dance, we sing, we play, we love, and we grow together. We are a family. Camp offers such a safe place to be who you are and love yourself as well as those around you. It is a place filled with joy and love and it is impossible to walk away from camp not being able to feel that.

~ Jenny Cuadra, Counselor 2016

For the summer of 2016, I wanted to do something different. I wanted to go somewhere new and experience new things. I have been teaching Special Education for a few years and coaching Special Olympics and when I found Camp Krem I felt that it would be perfect for my skill set. It would allow me to continue with what I’m passionate about as well as enjoy a new experience. My Camp Krem summer turned out to be the best experience of my life. From day one, I was welcomed in by the friendly staff. It didn’t take a lot of time before the staff at Camp Krem felt like family. I have worked at camps before but I never grew as close to people as I did at Camp Krem. We looked after each other and were there for one another at all times. During camp sessions it was great seeing everyone work super hard and seeing the smiles on the camper’s faces because of it. All staff members went above and beyond to give the campers the best experience of their life and it was an amazing sight to see. There isn’t a day that goes by that I am not thinking about the memories that were made this past summer. From the hiking, camping, dancing, singing to dressing up every day in fun costumes, it was an unforgettable experience and summer. Working at Camp Krem was and is the most rewarding and life changing job I have ever had. Through Camp Krem I have lifelong friends, and memories that will last forever. There are going to be many exciting events that happen in my life over the years but nothing will ever touch my summer at Camp Krem. Camp Krem will always have a special place in my heart.

~ Ben Alberry – Outdoor Adventure Camp Director 2016

Working as the nurse assistant at Camp Krem was one of the paramount experiences of my life. Our campers and staff helped me to see light and love every single day. I was challenged to learn humility and selfless service, while being ceaselessly motivated by our incredible campers. This place, these people, are some of the most caring and friendly souls I’ve met. Camp Krem is truly unique and I look forward to remaining an active participant of this wonderful family.

~ Maggie Malone, Healthcare Team 2016

Working with Camp Krem has forever changed my life in ways I never thought were possible. Going into this line of work with little experience I was nervous- but the overwhelming sense of care and compassion at camp took care of that in the blink of an eye. I’ve learned so much here. So much that I don’t even know how to put into words. So much about the lives of these amazing people who not only spend their summers with us- they spend the rest of the year just THINKING about spending their summer with us. So much about life in general- working with others, etc. Camp Krem has also helped me learn so much about myself that I don’t know how I would have figured out if it weren’t for this amazing opportunity. Camp Krem truly is one of a kind. It’s a place where all people- regardless of age, status, ability – whatever it may be- can feel welcome and encouraged so that they can prosper and thrive at whatever they so choose. I am so humbled by my experiences at Camp Krem and I really wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”